11 Children Dead in Madhya Pradesh After Consuming ‘Poisoned’ Cough Syrup, Doctor Arrested
Editorial
Bhopal:- A shocking tragedy has unfolded in Madhya Pradesh, where eleven children have died after allegedly consuming a contaminated cough syrup prescribed by a local doctor. Police have arrested Dr. Praveen Soni, who reportedly gave the medicine to several young patients in the Parasia area of Chhindwara district.
According to health officials, the children had been suffering from mild cough and cold. After taking the syrup, their condition suddenly worsened — they developed symptoms of vomiting, reduced urine output, and signs of kidney failure. Despite efforts to save them, all eleven children died within days.
Preliminary laboratory tests revealed that the cough syrup, branded “Coldrif”, contained diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic chemical often used in industrial products like brake fluid and antifreeze. Experts say even small amounts of DEG can cause severe kidney and liver damage, especially in children.
Following the deaths, the Madhya Pradesh Health Department immediately banned the sale of Coldrif syrup and ordered all remaining stocks to be seized. A case has also been registered against Sresan Pharmaceuticals, the Tamil Nadu-based manufacturer of the product.
State Health Minister Rajendra Shukla expressed deep sorrow over the incident and assured strict action against all those responsible. “The guilty will not be spared. The safety of our children is our top priority,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has sent samples of the syrup for further testing and directed all states to review similar products available in the market. The Tamil Nadu Drug Control Department has also confirmed that the syrup samples were “not of standard quality.”
The tragedy has sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concerns about drug safety and quality control in India. Similar incidents involving contaminated cough syrups have occurred in countries like Gambia and Uzbekistan in recent years, prompting global scrutiny of pharmaceutical exports.
As investigations continue, the families of the victims are demanding justice and accountability. Local residents in Chhindwara have urged authorities to strengthen medical supervision and ensure such a heartbreaking incident never happens again.
